English 10/H

Course Description:

English II courses typically focus on developing students' language and communication skills while helping them understand and appreciate literature. Students may read and analyze various texts, including novels, short stories, poetry, speeches, and informational texts, and learn how to apply literary analysis skills to understand and interpret them. They may also write in a variety of modes, such as argumentative, explanatory, and narrative, and use evidence from texts to support their arguments 

English II (English 10/H) 

Sonya Jenkins

sjenkins@tcsnc.org

Philosophy

A classroom should be a safe and caring environment where strong relationships are built between the teacher and students, allowing students to feel comfortable using their voices and extending their knowledge base.

About this class

We will read, write, and discuss a lot. You will learn about and develop time and project management skills.

English II uses the North Carolina Standard Course of Study as the basis for instructional goals. These goals focus on reading and analyzing different text types (literature and informational), writing, speaking, and listening, and language usage. We use world literature as a textual base.

Method of instruction

Students in this course can expect to have 

Regular reading and writing assignments 

Regular writing instruction and practice

Class presentations

Students can expect a variety of instructional methods as appropriate for the topic and skills we are learning and practicing. English II students are expected to be self-directed and -regulated learners who will advocate for themselves and their educational needs.

Course objectives

Students will be able to read literary and informational texts and analyze a text’s key ideas and details, its structure and craft, and how it relates to itself and a larger body of knowledge.

Students will be able to craft complex, detailed texts appropriate to various audiences and purposes.

Students will be able to effectively research various topics and demonstrate media literacy by selecting appropriate, credible sources.

Students will be able to discuss various topics and texts, varying their discussions based on the audience and purpose. Additionally, students will be able to present, support, and defend an opinion based on evidence and reasoning.

Students will be able to use language effectively, tailored to their task and audience.

In addition, I strive to help students

Develop as flexible and efficient readers.

Develop an appreciation for other cultures and ideas.

Learn and practice skills and habits that will benefit them throughout their education and careers.

We will primarily use readings from a variety of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry sources. A typical unit lasts 4 to 6 weeks. 

I strive to make my instruction relevant to students’ lives, as all the best educational research emphasizes the importance of doing so.

Supplies Needed

Spiral Notebook

pencil/pens

highlighters

Grading plan

English classrooms at BHS use a “rolling” grading system. The cut-off for each “rolling” period is the end of each quarter. Each graded assignment is categorized. All assignments in a category are then averaged, and this average is calculated in the final grade based on the category's weighting.

Grading categories are weighted as follows:

EOC (subject to NCGA and NCBOE decisions/legislation) 25%

Classwork

Formative (daily work/practice)   30% 

Summative (major assessments/projects)   45% 

LATE WORK

For the sake of your time management, sanity, and academic well-being, I encourage you to do all your assignments on time. If you have trouble for personal or academic reasons, please get in touch with me before the due date (ideally, well in advance). While email is acceptable, I prefer an in-person conversation.

2. For the first quarter, if, for whatever reason, you cannot complete an assignment on time, your grade will be recorded as a 50. Once the assignment is completed, the work will be graded, and the final grade will be determined by averaging the finished assignment with a 50.  Your missed work will be recorded as a zero during the second quarter. Once the assignment is completed and graded, the final grade will be averaged with a zero. Please don’t turn something in late and ask when I will grade it. *Long-term assignments will have grading specifics detailed within the rubric.

3. If turning work in late becomes a habit, I will have a conversation with you and your guardian about why this is happening and what strategies you can use to improve your time management and timeliness. 

CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS

• Respect everyone and their time. Be on time and be engaged! Be an active listener. Focus on the task at hand.

• Come to class prepared with a CHARGED Chromebook, something to write with, and something to write on.

CLASSROOM VALUES

• Respect

• Responsibility

• Community Care

• Continuous Growth and Improvement

Communication

I communicate regularly with both students and guardians. Please never hesitate to contact me at sjenkins@tcsnc.org